Feb 14 INTERVIEW: A chat with Eves Karydas before kicking off her 2019 'summerskin' tour

Formerly known as Eves the Behaviour, Australia's rising pop queen Eves Karydas has returned with her new album summerskin, filled with fresh, bold and powerful sounds. With her singles ‘Further Than The Planes Fly,’ ‘Couch’ and ‘Damn Loyal’ receiving both local and international praise, it’s no surprise that she’s now recognised as one of the most exciting arising pop talents in Australian music.

With her currently in the midst of her summerskin 2019 tour, we jumped at the opportunity to chat with the Brisbane musician. We discussed what inspired the album's creation, what it was like supporting George Ezra and Dua Lipa, her time living abroad in London and what we can expect from her, now that she's back and better than ever!

When did you first start making music?

When I was 10 years old — that’s when I wrote my first song. I’ve been singing my whole life though!

How would you describe your sound?

I’d say my sound stems from my songwriting style, which is focused on telling stories. It’s heartfelt, pop and empowered. I always leave room in production for my lyrics to be at the forefront, so the production is fairly sparse with a fairly even balance of electronic and organic elements.

What inspired your most recent album, summerskin?

The three years I spent in London. It was an incredibly pivotal time for me as a young woman.

Your performance at Red Hill Auditorium when you were last in Perth was amazing! What was it like being the support act for George Ezra and Dua Lipa?

Thank you very much! Both George and Dua are astonishingly lovely people and that carries on into their fans. I feel very lucky to be able to perform to such engaged crowds!

What are some differences you've noticed in performing as a support act, as opposed to playing your own show?

As a support act, you have to work to win people over and I find that challenge really fun and inspiring. At your own shows you know everyone has come to see you which makes it almost a completely different experience. Both are amazing!

On top of you living abroad, you spent some time in London creating and recording. Tell us more about your experience living there!

I moved to London without any real plan — I didn’t even know how long I’d stay. Turns out I would stay there for three years and so much happened to me in that time. I fell in love, I travelled, I learnt more about myself and developed my world views… just to name a few. I wouldn’t be the same person without these experiences.

In one of your previous interviews, you said: “I wanted to put across a sense of confidence in myself that I never had… Suddenly I can talk about what I do and not worry about someone saying, ‘Oh you’re really up yourself’. I say no: I’m excited and there is nothing wrong with that”. I absolutely love this quote from you — what inspired this?

That was largely inspired by growing out of that phase where you care so much about whether other people think you care too much. It’s so silly but everyone goes through it! I’ve learnt a lot about pride and self-love over the last few years, and I think happiness in yourself and your work stems from that.

How does it feel knowing that 'Further Than The Planes Fly' made it into triple j’s Hottest 200?

Coming in at #105 was very exciting!

Ddid any of your own song votes get into the Hottest 100?

Cub Sport’s ‘Sometimes’. They’re so amazing.

What are some of the key things you’ve learnt as a musician?

Be yourself. Authenticity is your currency!

On that note, are there any future plans you're particularly excited about?

La Dispute are about to embark on a huge Australian tour that will see them play 15 shows all across the country. The tour will kick off here in WA, with successive shows at Amplifier Bar in Perth and the Newport Hotel in Fremantle on the 5th and 6th of September respectively. We were lucky enough to talk on the phone to drummer and founding member Brad Vander Lugt ahead of these shows. (Banner image by Micala Renee)